Piano Concert at Hope Sun. Jan. 15 - Sean Irawan In January, we as a church community have an opportunity to come alongside and support one of our International College Students. Sean Irawan, has been attending Hope and helping in worship for the past year. He is an International SCSU Student studying Piano Performance. On Sunday, January 15th, Sean will share his testimony during our 10:00 am worship service. Following the service, we will provide snacks and refreshments and Sean will perform a piano concert for our congregation. This concert will be a free-will offering to help Sean with academic finances. The concert is for anyone who would like to come. So, invite a guest!

words of

January 2017

SSCCSSUU--IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall

SSttuuddeenntt LLuunncchh

Tues-Wed Jan. 3 and 4

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

in the Fellowship Hall. .

If you are able to help with

hosting a table,

bringing food, or serving,

sign up in the Welcome Center or contact Ruth Kaczor

ruth.kaczor10@gmail.com

320-249-8050

Hope Covenant Annual Meeting

Sun. Jan. 29

during lunch

$260 Provides for

one Mayan Home

Fiesta Lunch Fundraiser Sunday, Jan. 29 – 11:15 am

Please consider supporting the Guatemala Stove Team, finan- cially, so we can meet our goal of assisting 100 families & 2 schools. We need to raise funds for the stove & water filter costs.

The stoves eliminate the risk of serious, even fatal burns, and the danger of gases from the unvented wood fires which can lead to lung disease.

Donations can be written to HELPS International & sent to Rosie Lommel, 505 Eastern Court , St. Joseph, MN 56374

100% of contribution goes towards the stove & water filter fund.

Team members pay for their own travel and other costs.

Sean Irawan

A highlight for our Youth Group during Christmas, was caroling at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home. For some, it was the first time caroling EVER, but the smiles we got from the audience helped us hit those high “G’s” in Silent Night with confidence! We came back to church for our Christmas party and had a fabulous time with TONS of laughter. See photos on our Facebook page. Thank you to every-one who

brought food & goodies.

In December, our Youth Group talked about facing temptations of life; we have had such great, honest, & fruitful conversations. Our adult youth volunteers will be attending, RECHARGE, a youth ministry conference in January that aims to inspire and equip church staff and volunteers in their efforts to share their faith with the next generation. This conference will be so important for our adult volunteers as we take time to grow as leaders and to come back to ministry refreshed and ready to serve our youth.

In January, we will begin a “Dig Deeper” bible study for 9th-12th graders. This will be a time where we can study scripture more deeply and discuss important issues in our faith. The goal for this “huddle” is to be a next-step after Confirmation that we have for our middle schoolers. We also will be going to the Twin Cities for a fun adventure. More details to come. :)

If you are interested in helping with the youth in any way, please let me know. Thank you for your help chaperoning, offering rides, prayers, and support.

from Pastor Keith

Happy New Year 2017 to the Hope Covenant Family! We start out the first week of January 2017 on Tuesday the 3rd and Wednesday the 4th, serving lunch from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM to students from all over the world for the SCSU International Student Orientation here at Hope. Ruth Kaczor is heading this up again. Thanks Ruth! We are expecting a bigger turn out than years before. Last August, we had 300 or so! So we need “COOKS” to bring dishes, “FOOD PREPARERS” in the kitchen to stock the buffet table and very importantly, “TABLE HOSTS” to interact with the students and “WELCOMERS” to stand at the doors with a smile, word of welcome and directions to the basement and to hand out name tags. Please talk to Ruth or me with any

questions or sign-up in the Welcome Center. We are so grateful to have students with us who came to past lunches such as Eduardo (Brazil), Reenu (Nepal), Sean (Indonesia), Jonathan (Malaysia), Andrew (Nepal) and too many others to name them all. One more event – Sean Irawan Concert. On Sunday January 15th, here at Hope Covenant, right after the worship service at 11:30 pm, Sean Irawan, an International SCSU Student studying Piano Performanc

e, will be giving us a concert and sharing his story. Sean Irawan, has been attending Hope and helping in worship for the past year. A “love offering” will be taken for Sean to help with his educational costs.

Pastor Keith Meyer

Youth

Group

News

With joy, Rachel

rachel@hopecovenant.org

CClluubb5566 meets 2nd

Friday of the Month

at 6:30 pm

Club56 is for

5th and 6th

graders. See

you Jan. 13th!

Questions? Contact Kathy Armbrust 257-4673 or 828-2875

2016 was an amazing year at Lake Beauty.

We have seen God at work in so many different ways. As a staff we are all privileged to be serving in this place.

We are thankful for the Support that we have received in money and time from so many this past year. As we sat at our weekly staff meeting last week we were reminded of the projects that were completed over the past year. Here is a list of major accomplishments this year. We finished the new addition, roofed the gym, brought in a new mobile home for staff housing, 2 newer trucks for camp, new snow plow, 2 new copiers, gym climbing wall, new ovens in the kitchen, speed boat, horse trailer, 4 new water heaters, back porch bench, fiber optics expanded, 5 new RV 50 amp camping sites built, new 36 foot lift-trailer for high work projects and the list goes on. That's over $217,000.00 in updates that we paid cash for and we were able to pay down our long-term debt by almost $200,000. That's an amazing year.

That's a list of the financial and physical things that have happened over the past year. The reason Lake Beauty exists is to "Proclaim Jesus and Reflect His Love!" So the really important updates are that this past year we saw over 100 first time commitments to Jesus, literally 100's of recommitments, over 20 Baptisms in the lake and 27 who have expressed that they still are not sure if Jesus matters, but maybe for the very first time they are asking the question and trying to figure it out. We are all about planting seeds and we love being a part of God's Kingdom work. See more at lbbc.com

HHooppee MMeemmbbeerrss ppaarrttiicciippaattee iinn CCaarroolliinngg

&& OOuuttrreeaacchh aatt tthhee DDrreeaamm CCeenntteerr

Hope Covenant’s members sang carols and brought gifts to the residents at the Dream Center on December 12. Jan Wilde led the caroling.

The Dream Center works with men in transition coming from jails and prisons helping them become productive, contributing members of our community. Pastor Laidlaw stated 100% employment rate with the residents who are capable of working.

To learn more, visit

dreamcenterstcloud.org

January Birthdays

1 – Konroy Boeckel 1 – Gatwech Thach 3 – Bev Mowe 4 – Savana Neupauer 5 – Jeff Overby 6 – Dale Hubert 6 – Ingrid Loewen 6 – Dick Geurkink 7 – Ingrid Back 8 – Sheila Nelson 10 – Yvonne Lunser 10 – Abigail Overby 12 – Ryan Salner 17 – Althea Kerwin 20 – Joshua Godding 20 – John Reinhart 22 – Addison Schirmers 23 – Gabriel Armbrust 23 – Maya Strand 23 – Lacey Schirmers 24 – Micah Godding 25 – Hanh Overby 30 – Rand Olson

January Anniversaries

15 – Rich Nothnagel & Linda Fletcher 16 – David & Ashlan Kaczor 29 – Marshall & Lori Engevik

Men’s Breakfast 2nd Sat.

January 14

8-9 am Fellowship Hall

KKaatthhyy’’ss LLiibbrraarryy NNootteess

3 Crucial Questions About Jesus Murray Harris

The author of Jesus as God and From Grave to Glory: Resurrection in the New Testament now presents a study of what ancient non-biblical writers said about Jesus of Nazareth, as well as a thoughtful harmonization of the Gospel resurrection narratives.

The Universe Next Door by James Sire

When THE UNIVERSE NEXT DOOR was first introduced, it set the standard for a clear, readable introduction to world views. In concise, easily understood terms James W. Sire explained the basics of theism, deism, naturalism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism and the new consciousness. But much has happened in the decade since the book was first released. Chief among the changes is the recognition that the new consciousness, which many felt was a passing fad, has firmly entrenched itself as New Age philosophy--with actress Shirley MacLaine as its leading exponent. THE UNIVERSE NEXT DOOR has been translated into several languages and has been used as a text at over 100 colleges and universities in courses ranging from apologetics and world religions to history and English literature. In addition to explications of such worldviews as theism, deism, naturalism, nihilism, Marxism, and others, this third edition includes a new chapter on postmodernism and a thoroughly revised chapter on New Age philosophy.

The Baby Bottle Campaign begins January 15. We are excited to partner with Pregnancy Resource Center for the Baby Bottle Campaign in honor of the Sanctity of Human Life. Please take a bottle home with you and fill it with cash or check. Please return the bottle Jan. 29 or Feb. 5.

“Every human soul is valuable to God”

Neighboring Opportunities:

Shepherd Tours invites you to relax and let Good Shepherd & Voigt’s Coach Bus Service drive you to enjoy lunch & The Exclusive Martin Luther Exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Martin Luther, “Treasures of the Reformation” is being shown for the first time, in exhibition in Minneapolis Jan. 12, 2017.

Contact: Perry Rollings 320-259-3491

or perryrollings@gsc-mn.org

Shepherd Tours are open to anyone interested. “Invite your friends or family!”

Calling All Singers Over 55 Years of Age

Good Shepherd Community has been selected to participate in the Growing Art-FULL Program. This program is part of Aroha Philanthropies’ National Research on the impact of quality arts programming for those over 55 and is administered through the Paramount Center for the Arts.

Choir will meet for 10 weeks beginning Jan. 11. You will learn more than a few songs as you gather each week to sing, play instruments, and learn about the art of good breathing – the key to good singing. Don’t worry if you feel you aren’t a good singer or your voice has changed. Anyone can learn to sing, regardless of age. Desire, practice, and good coaching are what it takes to become a good singer. Teaching artists, Marcelyn Smale & Garrett Lathe bring a life-time of success.

Interested? call Darcy Ruesink 320-259-3466. Choir will be Wednesdays 3:30 – 5 pm in Shepherd Oak Dining Rm, 310 13

th St. N,

Sauk Rapids.

A sweet moment to accompany students at graduation! This cohort of students, with all the proper pomp and circumstance, marked a long road to graduation with Master’s Degrees in Business. It’s a joy to celebrate together and accompany them as their academic “family”.

This group has traveled with to Chicago, shared potlucks, studies in Genesis, and asked good cultural questions. They leave with knowledge in their field and seeds planted in their hearts about the how and why and Who of life. I look forward to what God has for them next!

Each semester I meet dozens of new grad students, internationals, and faculty/staff. I wonder how God might be working in their lives. Join in praying with me for how God will use us in their lives and then we watch, walk alongside, bear witness, and wade into real lives through joys and challenges.

For more adventures in Campus Ministry, see www.stcloudintervarsitynext.wordpress.com. As each semester closes, I am grateful for the opportunity to join God at work on campus and share moments that bring students and faculty into a deeper relationship with Jesus and one another. If you would like to partner with me, visit, www.GivetoIV.org/SCSU --Kirsten Wagenius

Hope Mission of the Month

JJAANNUUAARRYY VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERR SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE

-- USHERS --

Date

Greeter/Usher North Door

Greeter/Usher East Door

Usher West Door

Jan. 1

Scott Bjorklund

Jeremy & Erin Forsell

Deborah Owen

Jan. 8

Carol Ervasti

Keith & Jan Olson

Kelly & Claudia Warzecha

Jan. 15

Kirsten & Henry Wagenius

Marshall & Lori Engevik

Jan. 22

Russ & Sue Simmons

Dave Laliberte Family

Javier Garcia

Jan. 29

Rosie Lommel

Mark & Limei Danzeisen

Jerry Lommel

Thank you for serving during our worship. Please find a substitute, if needed.

NURSERY SCHEDULE

Jan. 1 Cheryl Larson

Jan. 8 Sharalyn & Autumn Snavely & Stella Kerwin

Jan. 15 Sharon Scuteri & Jessica Rowen & Maja Noble

Jan. 22 Courtney Bergee & Debbie Godding & Isaac E

Jan. 29 Linda Fimrite & Kristi Laliberte & Marit Engevik

POWER POINT SCHEDULE

Jan. 1 Gary Noble

Jan. 8 Ben Back

Jan. 15 Shaun Westrup

Jan. 22 Brandon & Donna Bares

Jan. 29 Gary Noble

JAM Schedule

Jan. 1 – No JAM

Jan. 8 – Kathy Armbrust

Jan. 15 – Krystin Sutherland

Jan. 22 – Julie Granberg

Jan. 29 – Jessica Rowen

Women’s Event coming

Sat. Feb. 25 Save-the-date!

Women’s Ministries will be

hosting an adult fellowship.

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 (No classes)

10:00 Worship

Communion/ Benev Fund

2

3 11:30-1:30pm Intn’l Lunch

6:30pm Elder Mtg

6-8p N/A

7-9pm Men’s BSF

4 11:30-1:30pm Intn’l Lunch

6:30p Men’s Bible Study 7pm Youth Group Choir

5

9 am Women Bible Study Rm 209

6

7

8

9:00 am Class 10:00 Worship 6-8pm Confirmation

9

10 6-8p N/A 7-9pm Men’s BSF

11

6:30p Men’s Bible Study

7pm Youth Group Choir

12

9 am Women Bible Study Rm 209

13

6:30 pm Club 56

14

8-9am Men’s Breakfast

15

9:00 am Class 10:00 Worship 11:30 am Sean Irawan Piano Concert

16

17

6-8p N/A

7 pm Men’s BSF

18

6:30p Men’s Bible Study

7pm Youth Group Choir

19

9 am Women Bible Study Rm 209

20

21

22

9:00 am Class 10:00 Worship

6-8pm Confirmation

23

24 6-8p N/A

7 pm Men’s BSF

25

6:30p Men’s Bible Study

7pm Youth Group Choir

26

9 am Women Bible Study Rm 209

27

28 10-2 pm Com Meal

29 9:00 am Class 10:00 Worship

11:15 am Fiesta Lunch Fundraiser

Annual Meeting follows

30

31

6-8p N/A

7 pm Men’s BSF

Luke 2: 8-9 - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

January 2017

following Jesus into God’s love

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM Lead Pastor: Keith Meyer Christian Ed: Kathy Armbrust Music/ Youth: Rachel Lassen Facilities: Pam Schirmers/Jessie Kerwin Office: Janelle Rudningen/Roxie Fast

Council Members: Roger Eriksson, Chair Gary Noble, Tracy Eriksson, Beth Krueger, Ruth Kaczor, Cheryl Larson/ Jessica Olson, Rosie Lommel/Joanne Reinhart, Lowell Larson, Glenn Scuteri, Sharon Scuteri/Krystin Sutherland, Ellis Scheevel

Elder Chair: Laurie Summerland Elders: Keith Krueger, Barb Scheevel, Keith Olson, Bob Koubsky, Audrey Kamphenkel

Christian Education Hour 9:00 am (begins Sept. 18) Summer Worship 9:30 am (thru-Sept. 4) Fall Worship Schedule 10:00 am (begins Sept. 11) Office Hours 9-2pm Tuesday through Friday

Hope Covenant Church 336 4th Ave. S St. Cloud MN 56301 hope@hopecovenant.org

January 2017

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Piano Concert Jan 15-Sean Irawan

Fiesta Lunch- Annual Meeting

Jan. 29